Genadendal, Western Cape – The vibrant Day of Organic Trade and Celebration, held at the historic Werf in Genadendal on October 26, 2024, successfully followed up on the impactful World Food Day webinar that took place on 16 October 2024.

Organised by the Rural Women’s Assembly and The Trust for Community Outreach and Education (TCOE), the event celebrated the crucial role of rural women and small-scale farmers in advancing sustainable food systems and food sovereignty.

[LEFT: Poster for World Food Day event held at ‘Die Werf’, Genadendal]

 

[ABOVE] Beautiful hand painted fabric banner displayed around a tree

[RIGHT] Western Cape Coordinator for RWA: Reinette Heunis from Suurbraak Aquaponics hugging and welcoming women from multiple provincial and nationally based communities to the World Food Day at Die Werf in Genadendal.

On the day of celebration, local women farmers took centre stage, showcasing their dedication to organic farming and sustainable practices. The event provided a platform for them to highlight their hard work and resilience while promoting the benefits of organic produce.

On the day of celebration, local women farmers took centre stage, showcasing their dedication to organic farming and sustainable practices. The event provided a platform for them to highlight their hard work and resilience while promoting the benefits of organic produce.

[LEFT] Fresh produce sold by female farmers at the market at Die Werf, Genadendal.

 

Community members and supporters filled the Werf to engage with the produce on display—fresh organic goods available for purchase—and to celebrate the cultural vibrancy of the region, with local artists contributing their talents to the festivities. This included a song created together with the community by Heal the Hood and a public arts mural painted with children from the Primary and High Schools together with the HoneyBush Healing Arts Platform and Tess and her group who assisted with activities for the children, like face painting.

 

[ABOVE] Locally based school children painting World Food Day Mural in Genadendal

[ABOVE] Children at Tess and Group’s Bead Making & Face Painting tables.

[LEFT] Heal the Hood recording a song focusing on land and female farmer rights including their struggles at Die Werf, Genadendal.

 

The gathering not only emphasised the importance of local food systems but also encouraged meaningful discussions on food justice, climate justice, and how these movements are inextricably linked.

Attendees participated in conversations about the role of small-scale farmers in addressing food insecurity and the global food system’s sustainability challenges, highlighting how local solutions can have a powerful impact on a broader scale.

[ABOVE and LEFT] Rural Women from various different communities partaking in the day’s activities.

The day was a powerful reminder that the fight for climate justice cannot be separated from the struggle for food justice, especially for the women and communities who have long been at the forefront of sustainable agricultural practices. Through collective efforts and continued support,a more equitable and sustainable future is within reach.

[ABOVE] Western Cape based RWA representative shows the ‘Herbs that heal’ booklet to local women which is shared for free alongside other resources at the event and market.

Special shout-outs and heart of gratitude in particular to leaders in the communities of Calitzdorp, Zoar, Barrydale, Suurbraak Aquaponics, Zolani, Roberson, Mcgregor, Nkqubela, Rawsonville, De Doorns and our hosts in various villages of Genadendal. Also a special thank-you to women who travelled in from other provinces.

We appreciate the time it took you travelling in, many for several hours prior.

Big thank-you to sponsors & organisational/community collaborators:

 

Category(s)News and media

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